SUV Review: 2010 BMW X6 Hybrid

Shatters the hybrid mould

Originally published: July 23, 2010

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Hybrids are not supposed to be fun to drive. They are, first and foremost, designed to reduce the environmental impact the automobile has on the planet. With very few exceptions, they tend to be dreary, dull or, in the worst case, both. Regardless, for the pragmatist and for those who like to hug wood alike, they are the near-term solution.

Occasionally, however, something comes along that doesn’t just break the mould, it shatters it. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is a prime example. It does the planet-friendly thing without sacrificing fun in the least. Hammer the gas pedal and the hybrid powertrain gives its all as it warps the portly X6 (2,580 kilograms!) to 100 kilometres an hour in less than six seconds. Need to pass a slower-moving vehicle? No problem; it accomplishes the 80-to-120-km/h move in 4.2 seconds, which is world class. However, the flip side is much better fuel economy than one expects. A week with the X6 returned an enviable average of 13.1 litres per 100 kilometres — and that was with little regard for economy. Squeeze the best out of the hybrid system and consumption drops to less than 12 L/100 km.

The secret to the X6’s ability to wow the driver while easing the pain at the pump is BMW’s sophisticated two-mode hybrid system — it is a full-on hybrid that can operate on electricity, gasoline or both power sources. This is the system BMW codeveloped with General Motors and Mercedes-Benz (Chrysler also ran a version of it in the now-departed Aspen Hybrid).

The nuts and bolts of the two-mode system are extremely complex. There are two electric motors, three planetary gear sets and four multi-plate clutches housed in the transmission. In the X6’s case, this combination delivers seven gears (complete with a manual setting and paddle shifters) and two operating modes. The first mode looks after stop-and-go driving and slow speeds; the second deals with higher speeds. The only thing that really matters is that the system works, doing so in a completely seamless manner.

From the driver’s perspective, there is nothing to suggest the X6 ActiveHybrid is any different from a conventional crossover. Yes, there are extra gauges, a power flow animation incorporated into the iDrive system and the mandatory decals, but that’s the extent of the telltale signs — other than the fact the engine shuts down whenever feasible and pulls away using electric power alone (I coaxed it up to 60 km/ h just on electric power). All of this is very good news.

So, what makes the X6 ActiveHybrid such a blast to drive? The answer lies in the two very different power sources. The twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 produces 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. Under normal circumstances, this is more than enough power to entertain. However, the two electric motors chip in with 91 and 86 hp and 192 and 206 lb-ft of torque, respectively. The result is a net system output of 480 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque –the stuff of supercar lore.

To make the most of the power at play, it is relayed to the road through BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and enormous P275/40R20 front and P315/35R20 rear tires. Obviously, this combination banishes wheel-spin (the electronic nanny is waiting in the wings should things go awry). Another bonus is that the xDrive system splits the power 40/60 front to rear, which imparts a rear-drive feel. Throw in a suspension that dials out practically all body roll without sacrificing ride comfort and a fully electric steering setup — needed for when the X6 is running on electricity alone — that has commendable feel and feedback and you have a vehicle that goes where it’s pointed with unerring accuracy. There are few sports cars that are as obedient; there’s not another hybrid that comes close.

As with other hybrids, regenerative braking, which captures waste energy and uses it to charge the main battery, is the first level of stopping power. Only when the driver surpasses a pre-set threshold does the hydraulic side kick in. It works, but the spongy pedal makes it rather difficult to modulate at first. Time is a great teacher — I eventually got used to the sensation and found it more forgiving than most hybrid brake systems.

As for the rest of it, the X6 ActiveHybrid is all BMW. The interior is wrapped in leather, the equipment list is long and the seating (for four) is comfortable. There’s also surprising utility — the X6’s plunging rear roofline does limit the size of the cargo area, but it’s easier to load than a sedan. The drawback is rearward visibility. The high tail (it rides 1,320 millimetres above the road), rear-seat headrests and letterbox-like rear window render the interior mirror all but useless. Thankfully, the large side mirrors and optional backup camera saved my bacon several times.

The X6 ActiveHybrid is a very good example of all that’s right with the modern hybrid. It has power to spare and, when driven conservatively, offers surprisingly good fuel economy. Factoring in its funky look and extraordinary handling makes it the Jekyll and Hyde of the automotive world. I’m usually not a fan of split personalities–this is the exception.